The Swedish skiing star took a sensational career-first podium in a distance race on New Year's Day, finishing second – ahead of none other than Johannes Høsflot Klæbo.
That it was a nice result for the 22-year-old says itself. But perhaps also for his colleagues.
It's clear that for me, it was a huge revenge, and a receipt to show what I can do in terms of capacity. Then I think it was good for the entire national team to show that we're in the game, says Anger.
"Would have meant everything"
Going into the final weekend of the Tour de Ski in Italian Val di Fiemme, where the three final stages are held, Anger lies second, 36 seconds behind Klæbo.
The last time a Swedish male skier made the podium in the overall standings of the Tour de Ski was in 2015, when Calle Halfvarsson finished third.
Now Edvin Anger has the chance to do it again.
It's clear that it would have meant everything. Especially when you couldn't have expected it for five kronor. But there's a lot that needs to fall into place for me to even have the opportunity to get on the podium.
For despite the starting position, with a sprint on Friday and a skiathlon on Saturday, the 22-year-old is not overly optimistic about the finish.
Chance for revenge
And much of the star's uncertainty is based on the final stage. The pursuit up the monster hill Alpe Cermis, where Anger doesn't have any particularly bright memories from.
Last year, the Swede finished 49th out of 53.
It's not a stage that suits me. So I need several minutes to even have a chance against the real climbers.
But this year, the starting position looks different. And therefore, the 22-year-old believes that the performance will also be different.
It becomes something new when you put yourself in a better position before the hill. Then you have something more to go for. A chance to finish really well gives you motivation to go much faster too. I didn't have that last year, he says and concludes:
But if you put yourself in a much better position going into the hill, and have seconds on your side, then it's clear that you'll dig deeper in every way.
The sprint prologue on Friday starts at 12.45. The women's starts at 12.15.
